Leland James, today you are 11 years old.
It's been quite a rollercoaster year. We've had some amazing highs and some tough lows, but overall, I think it's been a good year. Some highlights were the trips we took. We spent spring break in Cuyahoga Valley National Park with Uncle Jon, Aunt Danielle, and cousins, and it was so fun spending that time with them.
At the beginning of the summer, we went on a road trip to Texas. On our way there and back, we made some fun stops in St. Louis, Hot Springs, and Indianapolis. You especially loved going in the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
But Texas was for sure the highlight. You really enjoyed meeting the Kiblers, swimming in their pool every single day, seeing SpaceX rockets, and catching lizards.
Later in the summer, you went to Lake Ann Camp for a week. We missed you like crazy, but you had an absolute blast and you can't wait to go again next year. I am so glad you could have this experience.
We took our first camping trip near Ocqueoc Falls and had an absolute blast. And I took you kids to your first concert - Chris Janson. We had so much fun, even though he didn't sing our very favorite song (Keys to the Country).
Your cousins came and spent a week with us in July, which was awesome. We went to VBS, the drive in, tie-dyed t-shirts, went to the beach, and so much more.
Over Labor Day Weekend, the whole Nowak crew stayed at Jon and Danielle's. It was so much fun, and just what we needed before heading back to school.
In October, we went to Disney World and your life was made when you met a Storm Trooper and did all the Star Wars things.
Some other notable things from this year are your interest in basketball...
I chaperoned your class field trip to Mackinac Island. You loved visiting the Fort and seeing the demonstrations.
I started looking for a new house, and wound up buying property to build a house. We can't wait to live on this little lake and do all the swimming, kayaking, and fishing we want.
Currently, you are into Star Wars, Pokemon, Legos, video games, reading (mostly graphic novels these days), and trying to think of new ways to spend my money. Garrett is still your BFF, and you have so many other close friendships with some really wonderful kids. It makes my heart so happy to see the great people you surround yourself with. You tell me that you don't have a girlfriend, and also that you won't tell me when you do because you think I'll make it weird. I have no idea what you're talking about. :)
Next week, we start basketball and skiing. You have your own skis this year and you can't wait to tear up those black diamond hills that I won't even consider trying myself. And now that several of your friends have joined the school ski program, it will be even more fun.
At school, you are super responsible (maybe a little too anxious at times?) about completing your school work. At home, you help when asked, usually without complaint. You're a good friend and a respectful student. You have some serious sass with me, but I think between grief and general pre-teen crankiness, that's to be expected. You really are a great kid, and we'll get through all of hard stuff together. I love you so much. Being your mom is the greatest gift and the absolute best thing I will ever do. Happy Birthday, my sweet big kid.
